2012 Venza 2.7 L engine question

[KrakilinX]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, I'm thinking of purchasing the 2012 Venza, the dealership that I went to only had the V6 for test drive, and my wife and I really like the car. However, we were actually thinking of getting the 2.7L instead because it's less expensive, and better fuel economy. My only concern though, is that the Venza is bigger heavier car compare to other entry level SUVs/Crossovers, is 2.7L going to cut it? Like would the car struggle to pass people on the highway / going uphill etc? Anybody here who owns a 2.7L could you plz give me a short review or what you think of the 2.7L? Or the V6 is the only way to go?

O, and I have another question about the Premium package vs the Touring package (the salesman that helped us was pretty useless), on their website, it says the Premium comes with "Leather Seat Surface", while the Touring comes with "Premium Leather Seat Surfaces", the salesman told me it's the same?~! O_o Are there actually any difference in terms of the looks? Or it's the same look just different material is used?

One last question for people who drive in the snow... the 19" / 20" tires are pretty damn big, what can you actually downsize it to (for the rim size) for the winter tires?

Thanks...

[topdown73cat]

As the owner of the V6 AWD 2010 Venza, I didn't even consider the 4 banger. For me, two reasons. I wanted the 268 HP with the AWD and I had to have the KILLER looking 20" wheels with the Michelin HP tires. Leather, the "Premium" package I believe gets you the heated seat option. I'm cloth, so double check. Winter tires, yes, I have 17" wheels on mine now with Blizzak DM-V1 winter tires. Search the older posts and you will see my tires stacked in the garage.

[pawjr74@msn.com]

I would definitely test drive the 2.7L before making your purchase but I have a 2011 2.7L FWD and I've never found it to be under powered. I live in Phoenix so it's very flat out here and 95 percent of my driving is on surface streets around my house. I'm averaging around 23mpg around town and about 30mpg when I get out on the highway. In reality the vehicle doesn't way too much more than a Toyota Camry (about 600 lbs difference) and it comes with a larger engine. (2.5L vs 2.7L) 90 percent of the Camrys I see at work are 4cyl. The V6 may be preferrable if you tow, have lots of hills where you live or need/want the AWD. It's all about what you're going to use the car for.

[nikon5400]

please delete

[KrakilinX]

Thanks guys...

[stargazerwa]

I have a 2010 4 cyl and have no problem going back and fourth over the mountain passes in WA. I would recommend driving both, it's seems that when I was looking into this 14 months ago folks were say the smaller tire size was giving a smoother ride. That being said, Consumer Reports seems to like the six better